Three 7 Series models are available for 2004. The 745i ($68,500) and long-wheelbase 745Li ($72,500) are powered by a 4.4-liter V8 with 325 horsepower, gobs of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 760Li ($115,800) shares its transmission and most of its engine technology with the 745 models, but gets a 438-horsepower V12 engine. It's one of the quickest, fastest, normally aspirated 2.5-ton automobiles in the world.
The 745i rides on a 117.7-inch wheelbase, while the 745Li and 760Li stretch that measurement to 123.5 inches. The long-wheelbase Li models are 5.5 inches longer bumper to bumper, and virtually all of that translates into more rear-seat legroom.
Not surprisingly, all 7 Series sedans come standard with a long list of luxury features, including interiors trimmed in a choice of rich leathers and woods. The 745i has dual-zone automatic climate control with activated-charcoal microfilter ventilation, matte-finish black cherry wood trim, BMW Assist emergency and informational communications, 14-way power seats, a power moonroof, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a climate-controlled front console compartment, and single-CD audio with 10 speakers. The 745Li adds 20-way power front Comfort Seats with articulated upper backrests, passenger-seat memory and active head restraints. Both 745 models come standard with V-speed-rated 245/50VR18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels; 19-inch wheels with performance tires (245/45 front, 275/40 rear) are optional ($1,300).
The 760Li has most everything BMW offers, including a government-imposed gas-guzzler tax ($1,300). The base price covers a choice of light or dark high-gloss Ash trim with inlays, and leather on virtually all interior surfaces except the dash, headliner and floor. It includes soft-touch door-closing assists, heated and ventilated seats front and rear, Park Distance Control to keep track of those hard-to-see obstacles and power privacy shades. The only options available on the 760Li are radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,200), Adaptive Headlights ($300) that aim around corners when you turn the steering wheel, rear climate control with a cool box ($1,800), and satellite radio prep ($75). Why go to a five-star resort if you're driving one of these? Just stay in the car.
Most of what's offered on the 760Li is available on the 745i and 745Li through individual options or packages. The six option packages for the V8s include: the Sport Package ($3,200) adding 19-inch wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, more aggressively bolstered sport seating and specific exterior and interior trim; an Adaptive Ride Package ($1900), with a self-leveling rear suspension and Electronic Damping Control that automatically adjusts shock damping according to conditions; a Cold Weather Package ($1100) that adds a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and a ski bag; the Convenience Package ($1000), which includes soft-close doors that suck themselves shut and power trunk-lid operation; a Luxury Seating Package ($2500 for the 745i, $1600, for the 745Li) that adds 20-way adjustment to the 745i, front and rear seat heating, fans to blow air through the seating surfaces and an automatic massager; and finally, the Premium Sound Package ($1800) with increased audio power, two subwoofers, Digital Sound Processing and six-CD changer.
BMW's iDrive interface system is standard on all 7 Series models, and can operate virtually everything in the car, from stereo to climate controls to telephone to navigation, with a single mouse-like control.
Ten airbags are available. The standard array includes two frontal airbags, two front passenger side-impact airbags and BMW's Head Protection System, which amounts to a full-length, tube-shaped curtain on both sides of the cabin for front and rear head protection in a side impact. Also standard is BMW's Active Knee Protection, unique inflatable airbags that protect front passengers' knees. BMW claims these offer several advantages over conventional foam knee padding: they are more effective than foam padding; they reduce the amount of space occupied by the knee protection, leaving more room for in-dash features, not to mention occupants' knees; they allow finer tuning of the safety belts and front airbags for maximum protection depending on the circumstances of an impact.
For better or worse, BMW continues to offer rear side-impact airbags as an option ($385), insisting that customers prefer the choice. The 20-way Comfort Seats (an upgrade on the 745i) include active head restraints, which move closer to the occupants' head in an impact and eliminate the need for heads to be resting against the restraint for maximum effectiveness. All 7 Series variants include sophisticated ABS, traction-control and electronic stability control designed to help drivers avoid accidents in the first place.